December 25th and January 7th--Two Christmases

On December 6th we attended a Catholic Christmas Celebration.

Catholic Mass . . .

followed by a program by the children and a visit from St. Nicholas.


On January 6th we visited the Christmas Eve Celebration of the Badnjak Burning at the Orthodox Church.

The sparks from the bonfire represent blessings such as happiness at home, money, an abundance of sheep and other animals, health, and joy.


Craig is putting his oak branch in the bonfire.  This commemorates the shepherds bringing firewood to build a fire to keep the Christ Child warm through the night.  It also symbolizes the Tree of Life (eternal life) and the cross (atonement).


Children sang and the Archbishop from Cetinje spoke.



MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!